That we are born in the superior most Hindu Dharma is the merit of our past births. If we abide by Dharma (Righteousness) in this birth, then Anand (Bliss) for which we keep striving, will be attained easily. To be able to do this, let us see how we can spiritualize every act in a Hindu marriage ceremony.
1. Preparations to be done a few days before the marriage
A. Print thought-provoking matter pertaining to the Vivahasanskar, so also information to create awareness about the Nation and Dharma on the marriage invitation card. Give the prospective bride and groom the Holy text of Sanatan Sanstha titled ‘Marriage sanskar’ and ‘Sanskar itself is sadhana’. After reading the Holy texts, they will be motivated to perform marriage rituals as per the scriptures and with bhav (Spiritual emotion).
B. Acts to be performed for the guests who have arrived for the marriage
- Organise discourses on the Nation and
- Play VCDs that provide information on Dharmacharan (Abiding by Dharma). (For example – how to pay obeisance as per the science of Spirituality, how to celebrate a birthday etc.)
C. Acts to be performed at the venue of the marriage
- At the venue of the marriage, put up a banner with the logo of Gurukrupayoga, posters with religious quotes as well as Dharmashikshan posters covering topics such as sadhana (Spiritual practice) or Vivahasanskar.
- Keep a donation box to collect funds for the cause of the Nation and
- Exhibit Holy texts on Dharma / Spirituality.
- Exhibit products which helping spreading sattvikta (Purity) in the society.
- Explain the importance of rituals in the Hindu marriage ceremony at specific intervals on the public address system.
- Gift booklets/Holy texts on the subject of Dharmacharan to the guests.
2. Announcements to be made
before the marriage muhurt (Auspicious time)
A. Ten minutes before the marriage muhurt, announce as mentioned ahead. The attire and hairstyle of the individual announcing should be as per Dharma.
-
During recitation of mangalashtake, do not throw akshata on the bride and the groom. Only after the bride and the groom have garlanded each other go close to them and sprinkle akshata on their heads.
-
All those interested in reciting the mangalashṭake should kindly meet Mr. ______ (Announce the name of responsible person).
-
When greeting the bride and the groom, please remove your footwear.
-
When greeting the bridal couple, instead of shaking hands, greet with a namaskar by joining both the palms.
-
Please make it a point to visit the stall which displays spiritual products in the marriage hall.
B. Guidance to guests
After the marriage ceremony is over, deliver a ten minute discourse on ‘what should be done to change the deteriorating state of the Nation and Dharma ’ or on ‘ Sadhana to be performed for God–realisation’.
C. Gratitude to be paid on completion of the Hindu marriage ceremony
If religious rituals are performed as per the scriptures then, along with attaining happiness and good progeny the family too prospers. To achieve this, God has made provision of beneficial mantras, which means that they have the support of a Divine resolve. Marriage rituals were not formulated by just about anyone. That is precisely why the entire human race benefits from them. All offer a coconut and a vida Betel leaves and a betel nut to the Deities before beginning an auspicious ceremony and pray for the completion of the ceremonies to take place without any obstacles. However, after their successful completion, they forget to express gratitude to the Deities. Hence, make it a point to express gratitude unto God for getting all the ceremonies completed in a smooth manner.’
3. Views expressed by guests attending a marriage performed as per the scriptures
On Magh Krushna 5, Kaliyug Varsh 5112 (22nd February 2011) marriage of seekers of Sanatan, Mr. Gautam Gadekar and Ms.Ranjana Gawas was held at Sri Bodgeshwar Devasthan, Mapusa (Goa) as mentioned in the scriptures. In this context Mr. Ramesh Gawas (Ms. Ranjana’s father) narrated some views expressed by guests as mentioned ahead.
A. Due to the pleasant environment did not feel like leaving the venue
‘The environment was pleasant. Instead of a ‘banjo’ or blaring music from loud speakers the pleasing sound of the clarion and chaughaḍa (Typical Bharatiya assemblage of four kettledrums beaten two each by two men), the clear recitation of mantras etc., all were unique. Hence, we did not feel like leaving the celebration venue.’ – Several guests
B. Felt the presence of Deities during the celebrations
‘This is the first time we saw such a marriage ceremony. We recollected how marriages were performed in the earlier times. We realised that Hindu culture was being preserved. Mantras recited by the priests were charged with bhav. We could perceive the presence of Deities. For the first time I experienced what it was like to offer akshata on the heads of the bride and the groom by going close to them. Despite the crowd of guests being large, it was disciplined.’ – Mr. Umesh Kapse, Kolhapur
C. It was pleasant to see the rituals being performed as per the scriptures
‘Explaining the significance and science underlying the marriage rituals such as removing footwear when climbing onto the dais to greet the bride and groom, greeting by performing namaskar instead of a handshake etc. were aspects that I found very pleasing.’ – Mr. Nilesh Parrikar, Mapusa, Goa
Reference : Sanatan’s Holy text ‘Marriage sanskar’
